EFFECTIVENESS OF 2 NEW CEPHALOSPORINS, CEPHAZOLIN AND CEPHAPIRIN, ADMINISTERED INTERMITTENTLY IN ACUTE AND CHRONIC OSTEOMYELITIS IN CHILDREN

Patients (10) most of pre-school age, with acute osteomyelitis produced by Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella having evolved for approximately 1 wk, were treated with sodium cephazolin at doses of 60 mg/kg/day i.m. in 2 daily injections for the 1st 7 days and then in a single dose every 24 h for 4-7 wk. Nine of 10 patients were asymptomatic 6 mo. after this treatment. The patient who manifested chronic signs at the end of 6 wk of therapy continued to be treated with 3 weekly injections of the same drug at an equal dose until the completion of 6 mo., at the end of which was asymptomatic. Ten patients with chronic osteomyelitis having evolved for 2 mo. to 5 years, due to penicillin-resistant S. aureus, were treated with cephapirin at the dose of 30 mg/kg in 1 daily injection i.m. for 3-4 wk and then the same dose on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays until the completion of 6 mo. Eight patients who required it were sequestrectomized. Seven of the 10 patients improved and remained asymptomic for the same period of observation. The 3 patients who did not show marked clinical improvement did exhibit an appreciable radiological recovery. These regimens of treatment are presented to encourage research into the intermittent administration of bactericidal antibiotics for pyogenic infections; despite the good results, they are not recommended for daily practice.